2026-01-08
Acting leader Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said today:
“We welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to call a Federal Royal Commission into Antisemitism, Social Cohesion and National Security and Intelligence Agencies, to be led by former High Court Justice, the Hon Virginia Bell AC, as Commissioner.
"A balanced, careful and powerful Royal Commission is a chance to learn hard lessons while minimising divisive politics in crafting a national response to the anti-Semitic Bondi mass shooting.
"The strongest national response will be based on bringing together multicultural Australia to reinforce our values of tolerance, democracy and respect.
"This inquiry must clearly distinguish between the strengths and pillars of our diverse multicultural society and the narrow destructive forces of extremism.
"The Royal Commission must tackle anti-semitism and all forms of racism, including confronting Islamophobia and other extremist elements as part of the Commission’s social cohesion mandate.
"There are deep concerns about the coordination and response of national security and intelligence agencies and we welcome this public examination of them including current oversight arrangements.
"The Greens will continue to work constructively with the Government to ensure our communities are safe and free of hate and prejudice."